This course examines the tangible process of changing the policies that influence every aspect of the student experience, from inception to proposal to implementation - at a campus, municipal, system, state and national level. Topics reviewed include policy effectiveness, organizing/public engagement, an overview of equity topics in student concerns and an examination of the differing administrative systems, how they work, and how to start positive change.

The class features short lectures and is primarily-discussion based with presentations from guest student leaders and education administrators. Assignments include readings and discussion boards around selected topics in student affairs designed to encourage critical thinking of how to solve the challenges facing the education system. The class project tasks students with selecting an educational topic of their choice and analyzing solutions, impacts and anticipated opposition. It is intended that the class assignments will help build an advocacy portfolio students can directly use after the completion of the class to assist in advocating for change.

No prior knowledge of public policy or political science is needed.